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Ties Further Strengthened



Ties Further Strengthened
Perspectives, The NLM, Wednesday, 25 March 1998

The goodwill official visit of Premier Goh Chok Tong of Singapore to
Myanmar, at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council and Premier Senior General Than Shwe, short as it may be, has
further strengthened the already strong ties.

Premier Goh is no stranger to Myanmar, nor is the Senior General to
Singapore.  Previous exchanges of visits and meetings in other capitals in
connection with meetings of the Association of South-East Asian Nations,
have helped cement bilateral ties.

Mutual regard and assistance has characterised Myanmar-Singapore relations,
for it has been understood by both nations and their leaders that only
through mutual regard and help in time of need can friendship be strong and
enduring.

In days of need, Singapore has proved to be a strong and meaningful ally.
Goodwill, as has existed between the two nations, stands the test of time.

Myanmar has been able to count on Singapore in ways many and varied.  As a
developing nation, Myanmar has been able to obtain the expertise and
knowhow from our Singaporean friends in the fields of science and technology.

Trade has occupied a niche though it is in Singapore's favour and there
exist good prospects for promotion in future.

Senior General Than Shwe and Premier Goh Chok Tong, two statesmen in their
own right, were able to hold discussions accompanied by officials of both
sides, very likely to boost many spheres of activity of interest to both
sides.

Myanmar and Singapore, represented by Foreign Ministers U Ohn Gyaw and
Professor S. Jayakumar respectively, signed a Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the
Republic of Singapore on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and
Official passports.

Senior General Than Shwe hosted a banquet in honour of his guest, attended
by high-ranking officials of both sides, in a cordial atmosphere.

Apart from the official goodwill visit, which found leaders of both sides
busy, a Singaporean Business Mission accompanying Premier Goh Chok Tong,
had a busy day calling on Myanmar dignitaries and holding discussions which
could lead to further expansion of trade and investment in the years ahead.

Just as the commemorative tree planted by Premier Goh grows, so will the
friendship and understanding between the two nations.



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